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. 2012 Sep;102(9):1697–1705. doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2012.300716

TABLE 1—

Evidence-Based Health Policies Assessed: US States, 1980–2000

Health Domain Public Policy or Law Evidence Data Sources
Alcohol regulations Minimum legal drinking age (21 years) References 34, 54–62 References 53, 58, 63–65
Beer keg registration requirement
Beer tax (above yearly median)
Host legal liability (i.e., dram shop laws)
Sunday sales restrictions
Drunk and risky driving Zero tolerance laws (lower blood alcohol content for individuals younger than 21 years) References 66–75 References 51, 53, 65, 76, 77
Blood alcohol levels < 0.08%
Open container laws
Graduated driver’s license requirements
Mandatory prison days for driving under the influence offenses
Speed limits (< 60 mph)
Tobacco and smoking Clean indoor air: restaurants References 78, 79 References 52, 80, 81
Clean indoor air: bars
Clean indoor air: worksites
Restrictions on cigarette advertising
Cigarette taxes (above national yearly median)
Firearms Juvenile sales restrictions References 82, 83 References 84–86
Gun safety locks
Secondary sale background checks
Concealed weapons restrictions
Mandatory wait periods
Passenger and driver safety Adult seatbelt requirements References 54, 87–92 References 77, 93–95
Seatbelt primary enforcement
Child restraint device requirements
Fines for failure to use seatbelt
Reduced legal liability for failure to use seatbelt
Motorcycle helmet requirements for all riders

Note. This list of policies is not exhaustive. It contains only policies for which there is peer-reviewed evidence of effectiveness and impact on health outcomes and for which data are publicly available for all states and years.